Patient in hospital bed with oxygen monitor attached to their pointer finger.
  • Program Type
    Concentration
  • School
    School of Arts & Sciences

Prepare for a rewarding career in one of the fastest growing areas in health care. Be a servant leader in your profession and your community.

What You’ll Learn

Your coursework will have a strong focus on biology and the natural sciences, preparing you for acceptance to a physician assistant program approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The 10-course pre-physical assistant concentration can be taken with any Mary undergraduate program.

Prepare for a Physician Assistant Program

In addition to your coursework, you can engage in independent research projects, seminars, practice interviews, and panel discussions that will help you get into — and succeed in — an accredited physician assistant program.

Be Mentored by Experienced Faculty

You’ll receive individual attention in small-class settings and work closely with faculty who are distinguished educators and recognized leaders in their areas.

Strengthen Your Skills of Servant Leadership

Develop the Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values of servant leadership that distinguish a Mary education and are much-needed in all health-related professions.

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of physician assistants to grow by 27% through 2032, more than seven times the average for all occupations. As the demand for high-quality, efficient, affordable health care services increases, physician assistants job growth will continue to rise. Physician assistants are found in every health care setting and medical speciality.

Career Paths

  • Certified Physician's Assistant
  • Anesthesiologist Assistant
  • Doctor’s Assistant
  • Family Practice Physician Assistant
  • Orthopedic Physician Assistant
  • Pediatric Physician Assistant
  • Radiology Practitioner Assistant
  • Surgical Physician Assistant

Take Your Next Step in the Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration